Leeds Rhinos have announced that they have signed trialist Joe Vickery, 23, on a one year contract.

The Australian joined the Rhinos back in November from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, initially on a three month trial, but after impressing the Leeds coaching staff he has earned a full time deal with the Champions and will be given the 25 squad number for the 2013 season.

The former St George junior, who can play on the wing or at centre, made his first appearance for Leeds in the Heatshot Festive Challenge against Wakefield and made an instant impact by scoring two tries in the victory.

Prior to his move to the UK he spent two seasons with Gold Coast but did not make his first team debut despite impressive appearances for feeder club, Tweed Heads, where he scored 17 tries last season.

Speaking about his new contract Vickery said, “It was my ambition to earn a contract with the club when I came over here and I backed myself to do that so I am delighted to have signed for the season. It was a gamble to move here on a trial and away from everything I knew in Australia but the hard work has been worth it and I am pleased with my decision.

“I really enjoyed my first run out against Wakefield and the crowd and atmosphere at the Stadium was fantastic. I know there is still a lot of work to do and I want to prove I can step up and play in the Super League and I am really looking forward to getting out there again and the start of the season.”

Commenting on Vickery’s signing Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said, “We are really pleased to have secured a permanent deal with Joe and he fully deserves this contract. He has trained well and done everything asked of him. He has been very professional since he joined and we were impressed with how he went against Wakefield on Boxing Day and he made a good start to his Leeds career with two tries.”

Phil Daly
Media & Communications Manager
Leeds Rhinos

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt

It was a Leeds fan on here who said they won't use the word because the season is now over.

Anyway, Hull might win summat if they play Leeds in the Challenge Cup final, they usually do.

Not at Wembley they wont.Hull dont usually win at Wembley, according to Rovers fans

but you and I weve been through that and this is not our fate.
So let us so let us not talk falsely now.
The hour is getting late
FROM 2004,TO DO WHAT THIS CLUB HAS DONE,IF THATS NOT GREATNESSTHEN i DONT KNOW WHAT IS.

Am I right in thinking Vickery has English parents or grandparents? Be interesting to see how he goes.

Yeah I think so, seem to remember reading that at some point!

He went quite well on boxing day, he started on the wing and scored two, the first was a case of falling on the ball from a good Danny McGuire grubber, the second needing good footwork to score in the corner.

He actually played better imo when he was switched to full back, chimed in the line really well and made a couple of good breaks. He didnt look particularly fast but seemed like more of an elusive runner!